Client Brief
Somerset County Council and the other Somerset Authorities declared a climate emergency in 2019 and in response established a joint transport group to develop strategies to reduce carbon emissions from transport. The transport group wanted to ensure they used available data to underpin evidence to support their decisions and evaluate the impact of different policies. In order to develop this work and bring together ideas from across the different authorities, Somerset were keen to hold an expert-facilitated workshop to begin developing the high-level strategy.
City Science Response
City Science developed a quantitative model reconciling local transport data to national carbon emissions. This model was used to develop the workshop format, making it as quantitative and interactive as possible while linking to relevant local and national evidence.
We worked with the client to develop and tailor the workshop design to achieve the desired outcomes. The workshop was delivered by our client delivery team and supported by our expert transport planners to provide practical input and additional technical insights.
The results of the workshop were then consolidated and summarised in a report. The report will be used to begin developing a more detailed strategy. In addition, City Science worked with Somerset to secure funding from the DfT to further develop the quantitative transport policy model to enable a continued evidence-based approach.
Outputs
Somerset County Council and the other Somerset Authorities participated in an in-depth workshop to explore the carbon impacts of a range of different transport decarbonisation strategies. The workshop explored potential trajectories for decarbonisation and quick win opportunities that could be moved forward in 2020. The project also developed a quantitative policy analysis tool for transport carbon emissions which will now be taken forward with additional funding from the DfT.
“I found the workshop really valuable, and it was clear from the comments at the end of the day that the attendees, as a whole, found the experience valuable. It has given the partners a good platform from which to start building our strategic approach around transport and climate change.”
Tracy Aarons, Deputy Chief Executive, Mendip District Council.
